Role of mechanization in solving the problem of sugarbeet growing crisis.

摘要

The Central Chernozem Region of Russia produces 40% of the total sugarbeet production in Russia. Reforms of the 1990s led to a decrease in sugarbeet cultivation in 1998 back to the levels of 1960, a tendency which has been changing for the last 2 years. Some of the problems which still remain are the high level of equipment wear and use of outdated equipment, low levels of fertilizer and herbicide use, insufficient weed and pest control. The authors state that the concept of sustainable development may provide a solution to some of the problems that Russian sugarbeet cultivation faces. Sustainable development provides a shift from intensive development into low cost environmentally safe solutions. The document 'National scientific concept of sustainable development of sugarbeet cultivation in Russia to 2030' is outlined. Several factors affecting sugarbeet cultivation, soil compacting through the use of high mass tractors, improvement of soil tillage and sugarbeet harvesting on slopes, are discussed. Use of boardless ploughing is recommended as it minimizes soil erosion. Other issues discussed are increase in sowing precision, modernization of the USMK-5.4V cultivator, inter-row tillage, and the minimization of losses in sugarbeet harvesting.